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Proper communication — whether between individuals or groups, whether verbal or written — is essential to master. To communicate effectively, we must take into consideration a number of aspects, including our tone, timing, clarity of message and target audience.
Here below are some tips on how to deliver messages in a way that is healthy and that avoids unnecessarily hurting anyone:
Tone: Phrasing your questions, answers or remarks in the proper tone is an art. The style you use — whether for work, in personal affairs or on social media — can say a great deal about you. I personally avoid an aggressive tone, whether I am speaking or writing, and I prefer dealing with others who employ a gentle tone but who are nonetheless passionate about the issues they are speaking on.
Transparency: Most all of us lead busy lives, and it can sometimes feel exhausting having to explain or repeat something we said. I would like to advise everyone, however, to be clear about their needs as this makes things easier for all parties involved and prevents problems related to miscommunication.
Honesty: It is essential that we lay down clear boundaries, honestly communicating our thoughts when something bothers us or when we would rather not engage in one activity or another.

I personally believe that the way we communicate with others is a reflection of ourselves. Whether you are messenger or receiver, remember to keep communication healthy and sensitive, as we never know what our interlocutor is going through.

Noor A. Al-Naboud

Politeness: Many of us lack etiquette in our daily interactions. I highly suggest incorporating etiquette programs into school curriculums to highlight its importance at an early stage of life.
Timing: Proper timing is the first element in communication that tells us how things will play out in the exchange. Whether you are making a request or responding to feedback, timing often determines the success of any communication effort.
Most anything that is communicated can be done so in a way that maximizes effectiveness. I personally believe that the way we communicate with others is a reflection of ourselves. Whether you are messenger or receiver, remember to keep communication healthy and sensitive, as we never know what our interlocutor is going through. I hope this brief article may raise awareness on the importance of healthy dialogue.

• Noor A. Al-Naboud is a writer and insurance expert. Twitter handle: @moionlynoor